System for vertically stacking trays

ABSTRACT

A system for vertically stacking trays of at least two standard types is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of adapting elongate members which are vertically mountable between the trays. Each elongate member has a longitudinal axis; each elongate member has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal has a taper head provided with at least two off-axis pins are oppositely disposed relative to the axis. The second terminal has at least one recess within a wall of the second terminal. Each tray of each type has a first side and a second side. Each tray is provided with matching sites such that the matching sites located on the first side are configured for receiving the heads of the first terminals and the matching sites located on the second side are configured for receiving the recess of the second terminals.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to packaging, shipping and warehousing,and more specifically, to combined stacking of trays of at least twotypes.

BACKGROUND

At the moment, there are the following kinds of packaging: (a) plasticboxes, (b) carton boxes and Ecopack® trays. During conveying andwarehousing of the goods, intermixture of goods takes place. The goodspackaged in different type of trays should be stored and conveyedtogether. Logistic operators use main three types of packaging unit,specifically, Ecopack® trays, plastic trays and plastic boxes. Thedifficulty is that packaging units of different types can not be stackedone upon the other in an arbitrary sequence.

Thus, there is a long-felt and unmet need for a system providingvertical stacking of packaging units of different types in the arbitrarysequence. Three opportunities should be provided: (a) mounting theEcopack® tray onto the plastic tray; mounting the plastic box onto theEcopack® tray; and mounting the Ecopack® tray onto the Ecopack® tray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a system forvertically stacking box trays of at least two standard types. Theaforesaid system comprises (a) a plurality of box trays of a first type;and (b) a plurality of box trays of a second type.

It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the system furthercomprising a plurality of adapting members which are verticallymounatable between the trays. The members are of a hollow elongateconfiguration. Each elongate member has a longitudinal axis. Eachelongate member has a first terminal and a second terminal. The firstterminal has a taper head. The taper head is provided with at least twooff-axis pins oppositely disposed relative to the axis. The secondterminal has at least one recess within a wall of the second terminal.Each tray of each type has a first side and a second side. Each tray isprovided with matching sites such that the matching sites located on thefirst the are configured for receiving the heads of the first terminalsand the matching sites located on the second side are configured forreceiving the recess of the second terminals.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the first side of thetray which is an upper side thereof and the second side of the traywhich is a lower side thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the first side of thetray which is a lower side thereof and the second side of the tray whichis an upper side thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose an internal surface ofthe adapting member provided with at least one reinforcing rib.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the trays which are ofa rectangular shape.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the matching siteswhich are located at corners of the trays.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the adapting membermade of metal alloy, wood, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide,polyurethane and any combination thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of verticalstacking trays of at least two standard types. The aforesaid methodcomprises the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of trays of a firsttype and a plurality of trays of a second type; (b) providing aplurality of adapting members vertically mounatable between the trays;(c) stacking the trays of the first and second type.

It is another core purpose of the invention to provide the step ofstaking the trays further comprising mounting the trays of the first andsecond types one upon the other in an arbitrary sequence whereby thetrays are spaced apart by means of vertically mounted adapting membersbetween the trays. The members are of a hollow elongate configuration.Each elongate member has a longitudinal axis. Each elongate member has afirst terminal and a second terminal The first terminal has a taperhead. The taper head is provided with at least two off-axis pinsoppositely disposed relative to the axis. The second terminal has atleast one recess within a wall of the second terminal. Each tray of eachtype has a first side and a second side. Each tray is provided withmatching sites such that the matching sites located on the first sideare configured for receiving the heads of the first terminals and thematching sites located on the second side are configured for receivingthe recess of the second terminals.

The method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of connectingthe first terminals of the adapting members to an upper side of thetrays and connecting the second terminals of the adapting members to alower side of the tray.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the method furthercomprising a step of connecting the second terminals of the adaptingmembers to an upper side of the trays and connecting the first terminalsof the adapting members to a lower side of the tray.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising astep of connecting the adapting members to the matching sites located atcorners of the trays.

A further object of the invention is to disclose an open top containerfor loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk. The aforesaid containercomprises a rigid structure further comprising (a) a rectangular framecomprising at least four frame members defining a perimeter of theframe; and (b) four legs extending from the four corners of the frame.

It is another core purpose of the invention to provide the containerprovided with a bag having a main portion for accommodating the goods inbulk and a rim of the bag; the bag rim is mechanically secured to theperimeter of the rectangular frame such that the portion foraccommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the legs provided withstacking means comprising male and female connectors disposed atopposite terminals thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the bag which is of arectangular cross-section.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the bag which is of anenlarging cross-section from a bottom to the rim portion.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the bag secured to theframe by means selected from the group consisting of glue, clamps,sutures and any combination thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a material of the bagis selected from the group consisting of hessians, paper, polyethylene,polypropylene and any combination thereof.

A further object of the invention is to disclose an open top containerfor loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk, the containercomprising a rigid structure further comprising (a) a rectangular framecomprising at least four frame members defining a perimeter of theframe; and (b) four legs extending from the four corners of the frame.

It is a further core purpose of the invention to provide the containerwith a bag having a main portion for accommodating the goods in bulk anda rim portion of the bag; the rim portion is bent over the perimeter andmechanically secured to outer surface of the main portion of the bagsuch that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardly housedinto the rectangular frame.

A further object of the invention is to disclose an open top containerfor loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk. The aforesaid containercomprises a rigid structure further comprising a rectangular framecomprising at least four frame members defining a perimeter of theframe.

It is a further core purpose of the invention to provide the containerwith a sheet of flexible material mechanically secured to the frame.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method ofmanufacturing an open top container configured for loading, storing andshipping goods in bulk. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of (a)providing a rigid structure further comprising (i) a rectangular framecomprising at least four frame members defining a perimeter of theframe; and (ii) four legs extending from the four corners of the frame;(b) providing a bag having a main portion for accommodating the goods inbulk and a rim portion of the bag; (c) inserting the bag into the frame;(d) mechanically securing the bag rim the perimeter of the rectangularframe such that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardlyhoused into the rectangular frame.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method comprising thesteps of (a) providing a rigid structure further comprising (i) arectangular frame comprising at least four frame members defining aperimeter of the frame; and (ii) four legs extending from the fourcorners of the frame; (b) providing a bag having a main portion foraccommodating the goods in bulk and a rim portion of the bag; (c)inserting the bag into the frame; (d) bending the rim portion over theperimeter; (e) mechanically securing the bag rim to outer surface of themain portion of the bag such that the portion for accommodating thegoods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method comprising thesteps of (a) providing a rigid structure further a rectangular framecomprising at least four frame members defining a perimeter of theframe; (b) providing a sheet of flexible material mechanically securedto the frame; and (c) mechanically securing the sheet of flexiblematerial to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may beimplemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now bedescribed, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an elemental vertical stack of trays;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a set of adapting members;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a first terminal of the adapting member;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a second terminal of the adapting member;

FIG. 5 is a photograph of a container provided with a bag;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are schematic views of alternative embodiments of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a tray provided with a bottom sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided, so as to enable any personskilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the bestmodes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention.Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to thoseskilled in the art, since the generic principles of the presentinvention have been defined specifically to provide a method forvertically stacking trays of at least two standard types and a method ofusing the same.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, presenting an elemental vertical stackof trays. The aforesaid stack comprises trays of different types 210 and220 which are vertically spaced apart by means of adapting members 100.The aforesaid members 100 provide stable and reliable connection betweenthe trays of different types 210 and 220.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, presenting a set of the adaptingmembers 100 which should be disposed at corners of the trays 210/220.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 presenting a detailed view of anexemplary embodiment of a first terminal 110 of the adapting member 100.In an unlimited manner, the first terminal 110 has a taper headcomprising areas 130 and 140 at least two off-axis pins 150 oppositelydisposed relative to the axis 190. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the current invention, the first terminal 110 is receivedby a matching site in a lower side of the tray (not shown).

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, presenting a detailed view of anexemplary embodiment of a second terminal 120 of the adapting member100. In an unlimited manner, the second terminal 120 is provided withrecesses 170. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention, the second terminal 120 is received by a matching site in anupper side of the tray (not shown).

It should be emphasized that all adapting members 100 are standard andinterchangeable.

It should be emphasized that the disclosed configuration of the adaptingmember 100 provides stable and reliable connection of different trays.Combined stacking of trays of different types dramatically increasesefficiency of logistic processes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, presenting an open top container forloading, storing and shipping goods in bulk constituting an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. A rectangular frame 310 comprisesat least four frame members which define a perimeter of the frame. Fourlegs 300 extend from the four corners of the frame.

A bag has a main portion 320 for accommodating the goods in bulk and arim portion 330 of the bag. The rim portion 330 is bent over the frame310 and mechanically secured to outer surface of the main portion 320 ofthe bag. The portion 320 for accommodating the goods is downwardlyhoused into the rectangular frame 310 such that goods to be loaded,stored or shipped within the portion 320 can be placed in its internalvolume so formed.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rim portion 330is mechanically secured to the perimeter of the frame 310 (not shown).The legs 300 can be provided with stacking means comprising male andfemale connectors disposed at opposite terminals thereof (not shown).The bag can be of a rectangular cross-section enlarging from a bottom tosaid rim portion. The bag is secured to the frame by means of glue,clamps, sutures and any combination thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, presenting twoabovementioned embodiments in detail. Specifically, in FIG. 6 a, the rimportion 330 of the bag is bent over the frame 310 and mechanicallysecured to outer surface of the main portion 320 of the bag, while themain potion 320 for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed intothe rectangular frame 310. In FIG. 6 b, rim portion 330 of the bag ismechanically secured to the perimeter of the frame 310.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, presenting an embodiment of the presentinvention constituting a cargo tray comprising a rectangular frame 400wherein a sheet of a flexible material 410 is mechanically securedunderneath the frame 400. Pins 420 constitute male connecting means in anon-limiting manner. The pins 420 are disposed above the frame 400. Whenthe cargo trays shown in FIG. 6 are stacked, the pins 420 are insertedinto female means (holes) beneath the frame (not shown).

In accordance with the present invention, a system for verticallystacking trays of at least two standard types is disclosed. Theaforesaid system comprises (a) a plurality of trays of a first type; and(b) a plurality of trays of a second type.

In Table, approximate storage parameters for fresh produce and flowersare provided. The containers of the present invention are adapted forloading, storing and shipping goods in bulk under the imposedrequirements.

TABLE Approximate storage parameters for fresh produce and flowersStorage/ Temp. Fresh Transport of first Relative Freezing EthyleneEthylene Respiration air Name temp. 24 h humidity temp. productionsensitivity rate supply Apricot 0.5 −0.5 95 −1.1 M M L 10% Artichoke 0.50.5 98 — L L L 75% Aubergine 12 11 95 −0.8 L M very H 75% Avocado 5-74-6 90 −1.6 H H M 25% Carrot 0.5 −0.5 98 −1.4 very L M L  5% Celery 0.50.5 98 −0.5 very L M L 10% Dates (fresh) 1 −0.5 90 −15.7 very L L L  5%Dates (frozen) −18 −0.5 75 −15.7 very L L L close Fig 0.5 −0.5 90 −2.4 ML L 10% Grapes −0.5 −0.5 90 −2.7 very L L L close Guava 10 8 90 — L M M50% Litchi 0.5 0.5 95 −1 M M L 10% Loquat 0.5 −0.5 90 −1.9 L L L 10%Mango 10-12  9-11 90 −1.4 M H M 25% Melon  6-10 6-9 95 −1.2 H M L 50%Nectarine 0.5 −0.5 95 −0.9 M M L 10% Passionfruit 10 10 90 — very H Mvery H 100%  Peach 0.5 −0.5 95 −0.9 H H L 10% Pepper  7-10 6-9 95 −0.7 LL L 10% Plum 0.5 −0.5 95 −0..8 M M L  5% Pitaya/ 8 8 90 — H M H 75%Dragon Fruit Pomegranate  6-10 5-9 95 −3 L L L 25% Potato 6 5 95 −0.8very L M L 50% Radish 0.5 −0.5 95 −0.7 very L L L  5% Sharon fruit −1 −190 −2.2 L H L close Sweet Corn 1 0.5 98 −0.6 very L L H 75% Sweet Potato14 14 90 −1.3 very L L L 75% Strawberry 0.5 −0.5 95 −0.8 L 1 L  5%Tomato 10 9 90 −0.5 H H L 25% Watermelon 10 10 90 −0.4 very L H L 25%Basil 10 10 90 — very L H H 50% Herbs 1 0.5 95 −0.7 L M H 50% Flowers 21 95 0 M H H 30% Easy Peelers 4 2 95 −1.1 very L M L 25% Grapefruit and8 8 90 −1.1 very L M L 25% Sweetie Kumquat 4 4 95 — L L L 25% Lemon and10 10 90 −1.4 L L L 25% Lime Limequat 10 10 90 −1.4 L L L 25% Minneola 44 95 −0.9 very L M L 25% Orange 2-5 1-4 90 −0.8 very L M L 25% Pomelo 88 90 −1.6 very L M L 25%

The system comprises a plurality of adapting members which arevertically mounatable between the trays. The members are of a hollowelongate configuration. Each elongate member has a longitudinal axis.Each elongate member has a first terminal and a second terminal. Thefirst terminal has a taper head. The taper head is provided with atleast two off-axis pins oppositely disposed relative to the axis. Thesecond terminal has at least one recess within a wall of the secondterminal. Each tray of each type has a first side and a second side.Each tray is provided with matching sites such that the matching siteslocated on the first side are configured for receiving the heads of thefirst terminals and the matching sites located on the second side areconfigured for receiving the recess of the second terminals.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the firstside of the tray is an upper side thereof and the second side of thetray is a lower side thereof.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thefirst side of the tray is a lower side thereof and the second side ofthe tray is an upper side thereof.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, aninternal surface of the adapting member is provided with at least onereinforcing rib.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thetrays are of a rectangular shape.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thematching sites are located at corners of the trays.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, theadapting member is made of metal alloy, wood, polypropylene,polyethylene, polyamide, polyurethane and any combination thereof.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, themethod of vertical stacking trays of at least two standard types isdisclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing aplurality of trays of a first type and a plurality of trays of a secondtype; (b) providing a plurality of adapting members verticallymounatable between the trays; (c) stacking the trays of the first andsecond type.

The step of staking the trays further comprises mounting the trays ofthe first and second types one upon the other in an arbitrary sequencewhereby the trays are spaced apart by means of vertically mountedadapting members between the trays. The members are of a hollow elongateconfiguration; each elongate member has a longitudinal axis. Eachelongate member has a first terminal and a second terminal. The firstterminal has a taper head. The taper head is provided with at least twooff-axis pins oppositely disposed relative to the axis. The secondterminal has at least one recess within a wall of the second terminal.Each tray of each type has a first side and a second side. Each tray isprovided with matching sites such that the matching sites located on thefirst side are configured for receiving the heads of the first terminalsand the matching sites located on the second side are configured forreceiving the recess of the second terminals.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, anopen top container for loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk isdisclosed. The aforesaid container comprises a rigid structure furthercomprising (a) a rectangular frame comprising at least four framemembers defining a perimeter of the frame; and (b) four legs extendingfrom the four corners of the frame.

It is another core feature of the invention to provide the containerprovided with a bag having a main portion for accommodating the goods inbulk and a rim of the bag; the bag rim is mechanically secured to theperimeter of the rectangular frame such that the portion foraccommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thelegs are provided with stacking means comprising male and femaleconnectors disposed at opposite terminals thereof.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thebag is of a rectangular cross-section.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thebag is of an enlarging cross-section from a bottom to the rim portion.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thebag is secured to the frame by means selected from the group consistingof glue, clamps, sutures and any combination thereof.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, amaterial of the bag is selected from the group consisting of hessians,paper, polyethylene, polypropylene and any combination thereof.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, anopen top container for loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk isdisclosed. The aforesaid container comprises a rigid structure furthercomprising (a) a rectangular frame comprising at least four framemembers defining a perimeter of the frame; and (b) four legs extendingfrom the four corners of the frame.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thecontainer with a bag has a main portion for accommodating the goods inbulk and a rim portion of the bag; the rim portion is bent over theperimeter and mechanically secured to outer surface of the main portionof the bag such that the portion for accommodating the goods isdownwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, anopen top container for loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk isdisclosed. The aforesaid container comprises a rigid structure furthercomprising a rectangular frame comprising at least four frame membersdefining a perimeter of the frame.

It is a further core feature of the invention to provide the containerwith a sheet of flexible material mechanically secured to the frame.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, amethod of manufacturing an open top container configured for loading,storing and shipping goods in bulk is disclosed. The aforesaid methodcomprises the steps of (a) providing a rigid structure furthercomprising (i) a rectangular frame comprising at least four framemembers defining a perimeter of the frame; and (ii) four legs extendingfrom the four corners of the frame; (b) providing a bag having a mainportion for accommodating the goods in bulk and a rim portion of thebag; (c) inserting the bag into the frame; (d) mechanically securing thebag rim the perimeter of the rectangular frame such that the portion foraccommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, amethod comprises the steps of (a) providing a rigid structure furthercomprising (i) a rectangular frame comprising at least four framemembers defining a perimeter of the frame; and (ii) four legs extendingfrom the four corners of the frame; (b) providing a bag having a mainportion for accommodating the goods in bulk and a rim portion of thebag; (c) inserting the bag into the frame; (d) bending the rim portionover the perimeter; (e) mechanically securing the bag rim to outersurface of the main portion of the bag such that the portion foraccommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, amethod comprises the steps of (a) providing a rigid structure further arectangular frame comprising at least four frame members defining aperimeter of the frame; (b) providing a sheet of flexible materialmechanically secured to the frame; and (c) mechanically securing thesheet of flexible material to the frame.

1-32. (canceled)
 33. An open top container for loading, storing andshipping goods in bulk, said container comprising a rigid structurefurther comprising a. a rectangular frame 310 comprising at least fourframe members defining a perimeter of said frame; and b. four legs 300extending from the four corners of said frame; wherein said container isprovided with a bag having a main portion 320 for accommodating saidgoods in bulk and a rim 330 of said bag; said bag rim is mechanicallysecured to said perimeter of said rectangular frame such that saidportion for accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into saidrectangular frame.
 34. The open top container according to claim 33,wherein legs are provided with stacking means comprising male and femaleconnectors disposed at opposite terminals thereof.
 35. The open topcontainer according to claim 33, wherein said bag is of a rectangularcross-section.
 36. The open top container according to claim 33, whereinsaid bag is of an enlarging cross-section from a bottom to said rimportion.
 37. The open top container according to claim 33, wherein saidbag is secured to said frame by means selected from the group consistingof glue, clamps, welds, welts, heat welds, pressings, staples, clips,folds, sutures and any combination thereof.
 38. The open top containeraccording to claim 33, wherein a material of said bag is selected fromthe group consisting of hessians, paper, polyethylene, polypropylene,polythene, polyamide, polyurethane and any combination thereof.
 39. Theopen top container according to claim 33 vertically stackable into astack together with containers differing from said open top container,said open top container is provided with a plurality of adapting members100 which are vertically mountable between said trays; said members areof a hollow elongate configuration; each elongate member has alongitudinal axis; each elongate member has a first terminal 110 and asecond terminal 120; said first terminal 110 has a taper head 130; saidtaper head is provided with at least two off-axis pins 150 oppositelydisposed relative to said axis; said second terminal 120 has at leastone recess 170 within a wall of said second terminal; each tray of eachtype has a first side and a second side; each tray is provided withmatching sites such that said matching sites located on said first sideare configured for receiving said heads of said first terminals and saidmatching sites located on said second side are configured for receivingsaid recess of said second terminals.
 40. An open top container forloading, storing and shipping goods in bulk, said container comprising arigid structure further comprising a. a rectangular frame 310 comprisingat least four frame members defining a perimeter of said frame; and b.four legs 300 extending from the four corners of said frame; whereinsaid container is provided with a bag having a main portion 320 foraccommodating said goods in bulk and a rim portion 330 of said bag; saidrim portion is bent over said perimeter and mechanically secured toouter surface of said main portion of said bag such that said portionfor accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into said rectangularframe.
 41. The open top container according to claim 40, wherein legsare provided with stacking means comprising male and female connectorsdisposed at opposite terminals thereof.
 42. The open top containeraccording to claim 40, wherein said bag is of a rectangularcross-section.
 43. The open top container according to claim 40, whereinsaid bag is of an enlarging cross-section from a bottom to said rimportion.
 44. The open top container according to claim 40, wherein saidbag is secured to said frame by means selected from the group consistingof glue, clamps, sutures and any combination thereof.
 45. The open topcontainer according to claim 40, wherein a material of said bag isselected from the group consisting of hessians, paper, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane and any combination thereof. 46.The open top container according to claim 40 vertically stackable into astack together with containers differing from said open top container,said open top container is provided with a plurality of adapting members100 which are vertically mountable between said trays; said members areof a hollow elongate configuration; each elongate member has alongitudinal axis; each elongate member has a first terminal 110 and asecond terminal 120; said first terminal 110 has a taper head 130; saidtaper head is provided with at least two off-axis pins 150 oppositelydisposed relative to said axis; said second terminal 120 has at leastone recess 170 within a wall of said second terminal; each tray of eachtype has a first side and a second side; each tray is provided withmatching sites such that said matching sites located on said first sideare configured for receiving said heads of said first terminals and saidmatching sites located on said second side are configured for receivingsaid recess of said second terminals.
 47. An open top container forloading, storing and shipping goods in bulk, said container comprising arigid structure further comprising a rectangular frame 400 comprising atleast four frame members defining a perimeter of said frame; whereinsaid container is provided with a sheet 410 of flexible materialmechanically secured to said frame.
 48. The open top container accordingto claim 47, wherein at least one of the following is true: a. cornersof said rectangular frame are provided with stacking means comprisingmale and female connectors disposed at opposite terminals thereof; andb. a material of said bag is selected from the group consisting ofhessians, paper, polyethylene, polypropylene and any combinationthereof.
 49. The open top container according to claim 47 verticallystackable into a stack together with containers differing from said opentop container, said open top container is provided with a plurality ofadapting members 100 which are vertically mountable between said trays;said members are of a hollow elongate configuration; each elongatemember has a longitudinal axis; each elongate member has a firstterminal 110 and a second terminal 120; said first terminal 110 has ataper head 130; said taper head is provided with at least two off-axispins 150 oppositely disposed relative to said axis; said second terminal120 has at least one recess 170 within a wall of said second terminal;each tray of each type has a first side and a second side; each tray isprovided with matching sites such that said matching sites located onsaid first side are configured for receiving said heads of said firstterminals and said matching sites located on said second side areconfigured for receiving said recess of said second terminals.
 50. Amethod of manufacturing an open top container configured for loading,storing and shipping goods in bulk; said method comprising the steps ofa. providing a rigid structure further comprising i. a rectangular framecomprising at least four frame members defining a perimeter of saidframe; and ii. four legs extending from the four corners of said frame;b. providing a bag having a main portion for accommodating said goods inbulk and a rim portion of said bag; c. inserting said bag into saidframe; d. mechanically securing said bag rim said perimeter of saidrectangular frame such that said portion for accommodating said goods isdownwardly housed into said rectangular frame.
 51. A method ofmanufacturing an open top container configured for loading, storing andshipping goods in bulk; said method comprising the steps of a. providinga rigid structure further comprising i. a rectangular frame comprisingat least four frame members defining a perimeter of said frame; and ii.four legs extending from the four corners of said frame; b. providing abag having a main portion for accommodating said goods in bulk and a rimportion of said bag; c. inserting said bag into said frame; d. bendingsaid rim portion over said perimeter; e. mechanically securing said bagrim to outer surface of said main portion of said bag such that saidportion for accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into saidrectangular frame.
 52. A method of manufacturing an open top containerconfigured for loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk; said methodcomprising the steps of a. providing a rigid structure further arectangular frame comprising at least four frame members defining aperimeter of said frame b. providing a sheet of flexible materialmechanically secured to said frame; and c. mechanically securing saidsheet of flexible material to said frame.